Spencer Hux
The Hermitage Hotel and Keswick Hall are proud to announce Spencer Hux as chief sales officer, ushering in a new era of collaboration and innovation for the sister properties. This appointment highlights the synergy between the two iconic destinations, leveraging Hux’s expertise to enhance their shared commitment to excellence in luxury hospitality.
With nearly two decades of experience in luxury hospitality and a proven track record in sales, marketing and revenue strategy, Hux will oversee all commercial efforts for both esteemed properties, leading initiatives to further elevate their distinguished reputations.
As chief sales officer, Hux will work closely with teams at both hotels to align their shared goals, fostering collaboration that enhances each property’s distinct identity while leveraging their combined strengths. His efforts will focus on designing innovative sales and marketing initiatives, driving revenue growth and attracting discerning travelers seeking authentic Southern luxury.
Michelle Eng
Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown is happy to announce the appointment of Michelle Eng as the director of sales and marketing.
Michelle Eng has been a fixture in Minneapolis’ hospitality industry for over two decades, moving to the Twin Cities after graduating with a degree in hospitality management. She began her career as a front desk agent at the Radisson Hotel Bloomington before being promoted to several other roles at the property.
Prior to joining Millennium Minneapolis in 2022, Eng served as director of sales (DOS) for the Moxy Uptown Minneapolis and was tapped to be the DOS for Moxy Downtown during the opening. Other hotels Michelle has been involved with include two Hilton properties in Bloomington, as well as being part of the sales team during Embassy Suites Bloomington’s full-scale renovation.
Scott Robbins
TradeWinds Resort is proud to announce the appointment of Scott Robbins as managing director.
With over three decades of leadership experience, Robbins brings a wealth of expertise in opening and operating large-scale, award-winning resorts across the Caribbean and the U.S. His proven track record and strategic vision make him the ideal leader for one of St. Pete-Clearwater’s most cherished family-friendly beachfront destinations.
Most recently, he served as complex general manager at Margaritaville Resort Orlando and Embassy Suites Condo Hotel, where he successfully managed a multi-faceted destination property featuring hotels, retail, restaurants, entertainment venues and a state-of-the-art water park.
In his new role, Robbins will oversee the full spectrum of operations across TradeWinds Resort’s expansive 40-acre beachfront property. This includes strategic leadership of more than 700 guest rooms and villas, nine pools, 16 diverse food and beverage outlets, 70,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and a wide range of recreational amenities.
Chaitan Mugili
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio is proud to welcome back Chaitan Mugili as its newly appointed general manager—a significant full-circle moment in his distinguished hospitality career. Nearly two decades after serving as front desk/housekeeping manager at the same property, Mugili now returns to lead the hotel as its top executive.
Over the course of his 20+ year career, Mugili has held executive leadership roles with Marriott, Hyatt and Starwood Hotels, consistently improving guest satisfaction, financial performance and team culture. He is a two-time General Manager of the Year recipient—recognized by Marriott Hotels (2018) and SAHLA (2021)—and led his previous properties to top performance rankings in guest experience. Chaitan’s leadership extends beyond hotel walls.
On May 29, 2025, Mugili was formally recognized by the Texas House of Representatives with a certificate of appreciation honoring his “commitment to excellence and service within our community and the State of Texas.” As he steps into this new chapter, Mugili brings not only operational expertise but a deep personal connection to the hotel, its culture and its community. The Westin Riverwalk is poised to thrive under his vision and leadership.
Caroline Stoeckel
Caroline Stoeckel has joined Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau as vice president of marketing.
In her role, Caroline leads the Bureau’s marketing strategy, brand development and promotional initiatives to elevate Arlington as a premier tourism destination. She brings more than 20 years of experience in destination marketing, hospitality and brand strategy.
Before joining the Arlington CVB in April 2025, she held senior marketing leadership positions at Experience Scottsdale, M Culinary Concepts, Wildflower and Ideas Collide, where she developed award-winning campaigns, drove measurable growth and built high-performing teams. Caroline holds a Bachelor of Science in Tourism from Arizona State University.
Brandon Barnes
Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has promoted Brandon Barnes to senior director, international tourism sales. Barnes, who has been with ACVB for nearly 25 years, previously served as director, international tourism sales.
“Brandon’s dedication to positioning Atlanta as a leading international leisure destination has been invaluable,” said Charlene Lopez, executive vice president and chief sales officer, ACVB. “His foresight in identifying emerging markets, particularly in Asia, will be crucial as we expand our global reach. We are thrilled to have him leading our international sales team.”
During his tenure with ACVB, Barnes has collaborated with key partners such as Delta Air Lines and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, driving increased inbound travel to the city. In his new role, Barnes will focus on developing sales and marketing strategies to capitalize on emerging market opportunities while continuing to build on existing market success.
Daniel Grajdura
As the area director of sales and marketing for two renowned hotels in downtown Chicago—Le Meridien Essex and The Godfrey Chicago—Daniel has experienced the full spectrum of the hospitality world. He started his career by whipping up soufflés and slinging martinis, but it didn’t take long before he found himself in the fast-paced world of corporate clients and Lollapalooza guests. Back then, he didn’t even know the difference between Hilton and Marriott, but he dove in headfirst, soaking up everything he could about the industry.
Two incredible mentors played a pivotal role in shaping his journey, teaching him lessons you simply can’t learn in a classroom. Their guidance has been invaluable, and he is deeply grateful for their support. Today, he takes pride in both his accomplishments and the positive impact he has had on others. Looking forward, he is excited about the next chapter of this ever-evolving industry.
Blaine Eads
Serving as a landmark of hospitality since 1912, The Adolphus is pleased to announce the promotion of Blaine Eads to director of catering, as well as the appointment of Gricel Duran to executive pastry chef.
Eads joined The Adolphus team in 2022 as catering sales manager and later became associate director of catering, overseeing the planning and execution of catered events such as weddings, corporate functions and social gatherings. Duran began at The Adolphus in September 2024, executing and designing signature pastries, desserts and more for the property, reflecting its elegance and charm.
As the hotel’s director of catering, Eads is the primary point of contact for those interested in hosting events at The Adolphus and the driving force behind the hotel’s wedding program. With nearly 30,000 sq. ft. of event space spread across 15 different rooms, she works closely with individuals and couples to understand their visions and needs, ensuring each experience is tailored for the utmost guest satisfaction. Stepping into this new role, Eads honed her expertise under Paula Fenner, former director of catering at The Adolphus, who recently retired after 20 years.
Prior to The Adolphus, Eads held a number of positions in the sales and events industry, including running her own consulting business for almost a decade, where she audited clients’ digital presence and strategized marketing plans to engage and bring awareness to their target audiences.
Christopher Moore
ASAE has announced the appointment of Christopher Moore as its new chief learning and meetings officer (CLMO), effective March 24, 2025. Moore’s hire follows a comprehensive nationwide search and rigorous selection process involving highly qualified candidates.
In this mission-critical role, Moore will oversee the growth and evolution of ASAE’s learning portfolio, ensuring it continues to meet the dynamic needs of ASAE members. By enhancing learning opportunities, he will help association professionals navigate their responsibilities more effectively and maximize the impact of their work.
With 20 years of leadership and management experience, including executive-level roles in education, events, and product development, Moore brings an entrepreneurial approach to learning innovation and revenue growth. Most recently, as senior vice president and head of learning content, coaching and product marketing at ExecOnline, he played a key role in expanding the company’s learning products and revenue streams through research-driven innovation. Prior to ExecOnline, he held leadership roles at several leading information services and strategy consulting firms.
Moore holds a degree in economics and psychology from the University of Virginia.
Ricardo Henry, Ray Lee and O’Neil Walters
Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new business development officers to its U.S. team, covering the Northeast, Western and Midwestern regions, respectively. These new appointments will further strengthen JTB’s market position in key U.S. markets, driving new growth across the country.
Ricardo Henry has been appointed business development officer, Northeast. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, he covers Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. Henry previously served as a dedicated promotions & events officer at the JTB headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica.
Ray Lee has been appointed business development officer, West. Based in Dallas, Texas, his coverage extends across New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma. Lee previously served as a business development officer on behalf of Sandals Resorts.
O’Neil Walters has been appointed business development officer, Midwest. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, he covers Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Walters previously served as the senior director of global marketing at the Dale Caldwell Foundation.
